You know that feeling when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and think, "Who is that exhausted woman staring back at me?"

If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. As moms of teenage boys, we've somehow convinced ourselves that putting everyone else first is what "good moms" do. But here's the truth bomb I need you to hear: your teenage son is watching how you live, and when you're constantly running on empty, you're teaching him that's what adulthood looks like.

What if I told you that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's strategic parenting?

In this post we are joined by three powerhouse coaches;  Molly Claire, Michelle Keil, and Maria Hendershot.  They share their expertise on ditching the hustle culture, finding joy through creativity, and reclaiming your sense of self. We dive deep into why your relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything else, including raising confident sons who will become respectful men. (See full Bio's at the end of this post)

Why Your Relationship with Yourself Matters More Than You Think

Your teenage son might act like he's not paying attention, but trust me, he is. He's watching how you require people to treat you. He's noticing whether you respect your own time and boundaries. He's absorbing what you believe about your own worth.

And here's what really gets me fired up: when you model exhaustion and overwhelm, you're unintentionally teaching him that this is how adults—especially women—should live.

The Hidden Cost of Mom Hustle Culture

We've been conditioned to believe we need to be everything to everyone. Studies show that even in dual-income households, women carry more of the mental and emotional load. And if you're a stay-at-home mom? Sometimes the pressure to "prove your worth" by doing even more is overwhelming.

But here's what this hustle mentality actually costs us:

• Chronic stress and potential health issues
• Emotional exhaustion that leaves us disconnected
• Modeling unhealthy relationship patterns for our sons
• Missing out on the joy that's available right now

Three Expert-Backed Ways to Reclaim Yourself (Without Adding to Your To-Do List)

I recently sat down with three incredible coaches who specialize in helping women find their way back to themselves. Here's what they shared:

1. Choose Wholeness Over Hustle (The Molly Claire Method)

It's time to challenge the belief that your worth is tied to your productivity. As women, we've been praised for overextending ourselves for so long that slowing down actually feels dangerous to our nervous system.

Start here: Give yourself permission to do less. When that anxiety kicks in (and it will), remind yourself that your worth isn't up for debate.

2. Tap Into Creativity to Calm Your Mind (The Michelle Keil Approach)

You don't have to be artistic to benefit from this. Simple doodling—yes, doodling—can actually regulate your nervous system and quiet your anxious brain. It's like giving your analytical mind permission to take a break.

Start here: Keep a pen and paper nearby. When you feel overwhelmed, draw simple shapes or patterns for just 5 minutes. Think of it as a love note to yourself.

3. Rediscover Joy in Small Moments (The Maria Hendershot Way)

Joy isn't something you earn after completing your to-do list. It's your birthright, available to you right now, even in the chaos of teenage boy life.

Start here: Notice one beautiful thing each day. Maybe it's the way the light hits your kitchen counter or how your son's laugh fills the room. Joy is often hiding in plain sight.

The Legacy You're Creating Right Now

Here's something that stopped me in my tracks during our conversation: "A legacy is what I choose to live every day. Every day when I step up and I respect myself, I respect my time, I respect my boundaries, I teach others how I want to be treated."

Your son is learning what healthy relationships look like by watching yours—especially the one you have with yourself.

Simple Ways to Start Modeling Self-Respect Today

• Be honest with your son: "I haven't been taking good care of myself lately, and I don't want to model that for you. Here's what I'm going to do differently."
• Set simple boundaries: Stop loading his dishes in the dishwasher. Tell him why.
• Show him it's okay to reset: Let him see you course-correct when something isn't working.
• Try new things: Learn something new, even if you might be terrible at it. Show him that growth doesn't end at a certain age.

Ready to Stop Running on Empty?

If this conversation has you thinking, "Yes, but HOW do I actually do this?" you're not alone. Change feels scary when you've been operating one way for so long.

That's exactly why I created our free Facebook community for moms raising teenage boys. It's a place where you can:

• Get practical strategies that actually work
• Connect with other moms who "get it"
• Ask questions without judgment
• Celebrate the small wins along the way

Join our community here → and start surrounding yourself with women who believe you matter too.

Remember, 

You don't have to choose between being a good mom and taking care of yourself. In fact, the best gift you can give your teenage son is showing him what it looks like to value yourself.

Your worth isn't measured by your to-do list. Your relationships don't improve when you disappear from them. And your son? He needs to see you thriving, not just surviving.

You're already doing better than you think. Now let's help you feel that way too.

To get more from our amazing guests Click HERE to order "She Rises:  Wisdom and insights from the women of the masterful coach collective"

For Additional Support:

Visit our website Raisingboysbuildingmen.com HERE

Schedule a FREE Relationship Reconnection Call with Me HERE

Follow us on Instagram HERE

Grab 8 tips to connect with your son today HERE

Guest Bio's:

Molly Claire: 

Molly Claire is a 7-figure business builder, best- selling author of The Happy Mom Mindset, founder of The Masterful Coach Collective, and a single mom of 3. Molly has been featured on podcasts and stages across the U.S. for interviews and speaking engagements. She is best known for her ability to empower women to believe in their abilities and take the steps needed to create their dream business. She has a passion for helping women learn how to make more money while working less and making time for what matters most in their personal lives.  See more at Mollyclaire.com

Maria Hendershot:

Maria Hendershot is a master certified life coach who helps burned-out moms reclaim energy, joy, and purpose. With a background in life, health, and wellness coaching, she blends mindset, habits, and nervous system work in her 90-Day Joyful Reinvention Program to create lasting change. A longtime homeschooling mom of 20+ years, Maria helps women feel good enough to dream again—and bold enough to live a life they once thought was out of reach.  Get more at Joyfulreinvention.com

Michelle Keil:

Michelle Keil, affectionately known as The Doodle Coach, is a Master Certified Holistic Coach and the creator of a unique coaching method who helps overwhelmed women quiet their inner critic, lighten their emotional load, and reconnect with who they truly are—through the surprisingly powerful tool of doodling. Her playful yet profound approach is faith-centered, science and evidence-informed, and rooted in years of training, including an Advanced Certification in Motherhood and Family Life. She weaves together creativity, faith, and nervous system-aware coaching to support women in finding grace in the margins of their lives.

Michelle’s signature programs include Drawn to Grace, a 5-day guided doodle practice to build self-compassion, and Draw Yourself In, a 12-week coaching experience for women ready to release perfectionism and rediscover their true voice. She also leads The Doodle Lab, a monthly creative space for reflection, connection, and nervous system regulation—no art skills required.

Whether through her courses, community, or one-on-one coaching, Michelle makes it safe, —and even fun—for women to let go of who they think they should be and remember who they already are.  Get more at Michellekeilcoaching.com